Workout Summary
Workout Description
There are two trap building compound exercises not listed as a part of this workout:
- Deadlift (Back)
- Seated Press Behind The Neck (Shoulders)
If you want large traps, I highly suggest that you incorporate both of these lifts into your weekly training schedule. I did not include either the deadlift or BTN press into the monster traps workout simply because I wanted this workout to be a stand alone routine. You can perform the monster traps workout on either shoulder day, or back day.
Traps are a small muscle group. Do NOT perform this workout more than once per week. You will not need more weekly trap stimulation.
Power Barbell Shrugs:
- Barbell Shrugs Warmup Sets - Perform 2 warmup sets of 5 reps each. Your first warmup set with be 60% of your working weight, and the second will be 80% of your working weight.
- Lifting Straps - You will need lifting straps or Versa Gripps for your working sets. You could attempt this approach without straps, but most likely your grip will give out before your traps.
- Working Sets - Start with a weight that allows you to perform about 15 to 20 reps. Explosively shrug the barbell up for as many reps as possible, stopping near, or at failure. Continue to hold the bar! Take 3 deep breaths and perform as many reps as possible. Once again, keep holding the bar. Take 3 more deep breaths, and knock out as many reps as possible. Continue this pattern until you perform 40 total reps. Rest about 2-3 minutes between sets of barbell shrugs. When you can perform 25 reps right out of the gate before you have to start the "3 deep breath" pattern, add weight.
Dumbbell Shrug & Holds:
You will need a lighter weight for this exercise. I would start with 50 to 70% of your working weight for barbell shrugs. Slowly contract the weight up, and hold it at contraction for 3 deep breaths. Lower the weight, and repeat this rep pattern. When you can perform 10 total reps for both sets, add weight.
Additional Information
That's it. In 4 simple sets you will have destroyed your traps. Resist the urge to add in more work. Eat big and smart, and get plenty of rest.
| Monster Traps Workout | ||
|---|---|---|
| Traps | ||
| Exercise | Sets | Reps |
| Power Barbell Shrugs (Explosive) | 2 | 40 |
| Dumbbell Shrug & Hold | 2 | 10 |
Comments (31)
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Posted Fri, 08/06/2010 - 17:42
im going to give this a try tomorrow on shoulder/trap day...one question...would u recommend doind the BB shrugs on a smith machine or free weight?
Posted Sun, 08/08/2010 - 10:32
Hi AB,
Definitely barbell. You may need to use lifting straps.
Posted Sat, 08/14/2010 - 01:32
why would using a smith machine be better than using free weight when doing the barbell shrugs?
Posted Sat, 08/14/2010 - 10:40
Hi Donovan,
Smith wouldn't be superior. Free weights are always superior to Smith machine movements. Smith machines change the natural path of the barbell.
Posted Mon, 08/16/2010 - 22:01
hey steve big fan of the site got a ? for u on this the bb shrug behind or in front for the bb shrugs n thanks for all the info n tips
Posted Tue, 08/17/2010 - 12:31
Hi JC,
For this routine, do shrugs in front of the body.
Posted Fri, 08/27/2010 - 02:17
Why 40 reps? what purpose does this serve? could u please elaborate
Posted Fri, 08/27/2010 - 08:34
Hi Kent,
The 40 rep sets are burn sets simply used as a method to shock your traps. You are performing power shrugs and using heavy weight, and the combination is very effective and taxing.
Posted Sun, 09/12/2010 - 06:47
if i were to add upright rows in a super set with dumbbell shrugs do you think that would be beneficial?
Posted Sun, 09/12/2010 - 08:44
Hi Brandon,
Movements like upright rows and overhead presses are good for stimulating the traps. You could use upright rows supersetted with dumbbell shrugs, but I would only recommend doing so if you are working shoulders and traps together on the same training day.
Posted Tue, 09/28/2010 - 07:27
Hi steve i wanted to ask you something about a supplement it would not allow me to ask in the forum, basically im 21 years old and i heard about testerone boosters that apparently they can help increase size and strength would you recommend me taking them?
The one im looking at currently has the following ingredients;
USN 19 ANABOL TESTO
TESTOFEN™ (per daily serving of 6 capsules: 300mg) Patented Fenugreek Seed extract standardised for 50% FENUSIDE™
19 - Anabol Super Testo Force Blend (per daily serving of 6 capsules: 1565mg) 5 Methyl-7-Methoxy-Isoflavone 20-Hydroxy Ecdysterone Avena sativa (10:1 Extract) 7-Isopropoxyisoflavone ZMA (Zinc Magnesium Aspartate)
Bioperine™ (per daily serving of 6 capsules: 5mg)
Also ive heard with some testerone boosters your not allowed to take them with milk still in your stomach so how would that work if you took them before a workout and after the workout you have a protein shake with milk? Would that affect it?
Il appreciate if you can get back to me :)
Thanks
Posted Wed, 09/29/2010 - 15:37
Hi JML,
At your age you wouldn't see much benefit from taking a testosterone booster. Your test levels are already very high. I would rather see you run creatine and a solid pre-workout supplement. That will give you more bang for your buck.
Posted Mon, 10/04/2010 - 04:48
Hi Steve, I saw your reply on the above comment and I was just wondering, what is more beneficial pre-workout or post workout supplements? Right now I only use whey protein after my work outs but I am curious which of the options give the best results.
Posted Thu, 10/07/2010 - 09:32
Hi Jordan,
It depends on your needs. I love pre-workout supplements for the energy and focus they provide during workouts. But are they needed? Not necessarily. Post-workout nutrition is very important. You could simply use whey protein and a banana. Don't forget your dextrose/carbs post-workout.
Posted Wed, 02/09/2011 - 15:36
does all heavy weightlifting stunt a 14 year old's growth if he starts to do it?
Posted Sun, 02/13/2011 - 23:01
Hey man I was wondering if it would be smart to do supersede with
Front shrugs
Narrowgrip shrugs
And behind back shrugs ?
Posted Sun, 03/06/2011 - 09:46
I know this workout should only be done once a week but should it be done every single week and how long should you continue to do this workout as it is a muscle shocking workout?
Posted Sun, 06/05/2011 - 17:08
Seems like a great workout, but do you go up in weight for the power shrugs or stay at the same weight? because i am a running back and i want big strong traps
Posted Wed, 10/05/2011 - 15:00
What advice would you give to fix un-even lats? My left side is noticeably larger than my right.
Posted Wed, 10/05/2011 - 15:40
Do you have any experience lifting, and if so, what back exercises do you use?
Posted Wed, 10/05/2011 - 16:22
I’m still new to back exercises, I’m trying to find a nice routine that works for me. Most of my workout exercises consist of dumbbell’s and TRX suspension training.
Posted Wed, 10/05/2011 - 16:28
I recommend at least:
--Barbell or dumbbell rows
--Pull ups
Posted Mon, 01/16/2012 - 00:09
so lemme get this straight, you do deadlifts and behind the head raises first then warmup shrugs, then 40shrugs then 10shrugs? then trap workout is done for the day?
Posted Fri, 08/24/2012 - 21:18
how often can i work my traps dont seem to get as much of a burn off of them so was wondering if i could work them two three times a week....im doing your 4/3 split power muscle burn routine thanks
Posted Fri, 08/24/2012 - 21:21
never mind sorry just reread the forum and saw that it said once a week
Posted Sun, 09/02/2012 - 02:03
My height is 5.5" and age 17.7 what should i do for increasing height and muscle also
Posted Thu, 09/06/2012 - 14:14
Hi Mahesh,
Can't help you with height, but with muscle this workout is a good place to start:
http://www.muscleandstrength.com/workouts/8-week-novice-quick-start-work...
Posted Wed, 03/06/2013 - 11:38
hey steve i want to get huge traps but haven't really a proper training routine for them any pointers or any specific exercizes that would beneficial?
Posted Thu, 04/18/2013 - 14:06
whats up Steve. Im about 200lbs and wanting to get more definition and shape (abs). Its been almost 5 years since ive worked out, so what routine you think i should follow. im 5'10'' and i like they weight, but im willing to sacrifice about 15lbs to get the look im aiming for.
Posted Thu, 04/18/2013 - 18:39
I'd recommend trying one of the Beginner routines that are available on the site: http://www.muscleandstrength.com/workouts/beginner.html
This will allow you to reestablish your form, and won't overload your central nervous system.
Posted Sat, 04/20/2013 - 12:47
what is best for traps barbell or dumbell?
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